Theatre & Performing Arts
ABLEfest – celebrating 10 years of Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations April 30, 2026
Join A.B.L.E. – Artists Breaking Limits &Expectations as we celebrate our 10th anniversary of creating theatre and film for, with, and by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with an unforgettable festival April 30-May 3rd at The Edge Theater.
Every event at ABLEfest wil be a different experience uniquely crafted by the group onstage. In total, 78 performers -including 40 actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities – will appear in 5 live performances, including showcases and a limited-run of an original full-length show devised by the group. In addition to these live performances, A.B.L.E.’s Virtual Ensemble is creating short-form videos that will play on A.B.L.E.’s social media channels throughout the spring.
With everything from movement to music to Shakespeare and personal storytelling, there’s something for everyone!
Performances:
- Thursday April 30th at 7pm – Movement Ensemble Showcase (ASL interpreted)
- Friday, May 1st at 7:00 pm – The Time Capsule
- Saturday, May 2nd at 2:00pm – Devising Ensemble Showcase (ASL interpreted)
- Saturday May 2nd at 7pm – The Time Capsule (ASL interpreted)
- Sunday, May 3rd at 2:30pm (audio described performance)
Tickets:
Pay-what-you-can general admission ranging from $15-$45
Accessibility at all performances:
- All performances are open captioned
- All performances are relaxed – you can leave the theatre at any time if you need a break and sensory support tools will be available
- Wheelchair Access
- Masks are required for all attendees out of consideration for our immunocompromised community members
Cast & Crew
- Teaching Artists: Braden Cleary, Ruby Gibson, Maddy Grady, Kiaran Hartnett, Kaylie Honkala, Lawrence Kern, and Katie Yohe
- Actors: Colleen Altman, Colin Baar, Marissa Bloodgood, Christian Boyd, Sophianna Bressette, Rachel Buchanan, Jack Butler, Benjamin Collins, Sophie Earvolino, Gabe Felshman, Samuel Floersheimer, Ryan Foley, Sean Grynberg, Peter Grzeslo, Erin Harvey, Natalia Janik, Jonathan Jennings, Fletcher Jones, Xavier Juniel, Andrew Kosnik, Emily Kwidzinski, Matthew LaChapelle, Emily Lavin, Maggie Leal, Lily Lundin, Anna Luzadder, Maggie Marren, Matthew Marren, Carlos Mejia, Jr, Lucas Miezal, John Miksis, Claire O’Leary, Kira Perdue, Sam Radinsky, Dorsey Schroeck, Tommy Shimoda, Kevin Smith, Kimmy Smith, Jake Solworth, Zachary Wandel
- Facilitators: Nette Angelini, Amy Bahr, Andrea Bazzoli, Lewis Beaver, Lauren Berquist, Alexandria Bressette, Claire Buckley, Julia Clavadetscher, Margo DePorter, Shannon Diegel, Mike Falevits, Sarah Haley, Paige Henderson, Ashlyn Horein, Chelsea Hosler, Avery Lareau, Kate McDuffie, Kaitlynn Milvert, Steve O’Connell, Erik Prather, Carly Sells, Julianne Shea, Margaret Sheils, Susan Sjodin, Lindsay Stock, Kate Vargulich, Julia Waits, Connor Wiles, and Polly Yukevich
- Company Manager: Haley Schroeck
- Lighting Designer: Lea Davis
- Director of ASL: Peter Wujcik
- ASL Interpreters: Sabrina Cienfuegos and Mark Motyka
- Audio Description: Jason Harrington
A.B.L.E.’s 2025-2026 Season is partially supported by The Andrew E. Barrer Trust on behalf of the Chicago Lighthouse, The Chicago Community Trust, The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Forvis Mazars, FS Foundation, FunFund, The Illinois Arts Council, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Rusin Law, The Saints and generous individuals like you!
